Last Updated: August 22 2026
How do I request a bail review in Ontario after bail was denied or my conditions are too strict?
In Ontario, a bail review lets you ask a judge to reconsider bail denial or tighten or change inappropriate conditions, typically by filing within seven days of the original bail hearing under the Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46, and applying the bail review criteria set out in the Bail Reform Act, S.C. 1974-75-76, c. 105. At the hearing, the judge weighs the Crown’s evidence, your criminal record, the strength of the case, and your community ties like employment, residence, and family, and then may release you with conditions (such as reporting requirements, sureties, or a curfew) or keep you in custody. If you want prompt, practical guidance with paperwork, timelines, and presenting a workable bail plan, DefendCharges.Lawyer can help; call (647) 977-5997 for a free half-hour consultation with a criminal defence lawyer serving Ontario.
Add this website to Google Preferred Sources
#
Bail review is a legal process in Ontario that allows individuals who have been denied bail or are dissatisfied with their bail conditions to have their case reviewed by a judge. The purpose of the bail review is to ensure that the bail conditions are appropriate and that the accused is not being held in custody unnecessarily. In Ontario, the bail review process is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada and the Bail Reform Act. The Bail Reform Act sets out the criteria for bail review, including the types of cases that can be reviewed, the procedures for filing a bail review application, and the criteria for granting bail.
Note: Please contact DefendCharges.Lawyer by phone at: (647) 977-5997 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
When an individual is arrested, they are brought before a justice of the peace or judge who decides whether or not to grant bail. If bail is denied, the individual can apply for a bail review. The application must be filed within seven days of the initial bail hearing. At the bail review hearing, the judge will consider the facts of the case and the accused’s criminal record, if any. The judge will also consider the accused’s ties to the community, such as family, employment, and residence. The judge will also consider the nature and seriousness of the offence and the likelihood of the accused appearing in court. The judge may decide to grant bail, deny bail, or impose conditions on the accused. Conditions may include a surety, a curfew, or a requirement to report to a bail supervisor. If the judge denies bail, the accused may be held in custody until their trial.
The Law
Summary Comment
The bail review process is an important part of the criminal justice system in Ontario. It ensures that individuals are not held in custody unnecessarily and that bail conditions are appropriate. It also ensures that the accused is able to appear in court and participate in their own defence.
